Day 88: or The Day We Lost The Internet

I was all set to catch up on the blog, when BOOM, no internet. Usually it comes back on by itself but tonight we weren't so lucky. It's amazing how disconnected you feel when your cut off. I know we are all too dependent, and I know it's not the end of the world. But that doesn't mean it's not a total bummer.


Back to the real issues at hand. Today was a great day because the Kid had a field trip and the mom was going along. I was able to sleep in and had the whole day to myself. I went into Paris for a bit and bought my train ticket to Spain. Since I was already there I stopped and had a sandwich. On the train back I met a man who gave me a lift from the station. He was older, in his 70's. I'm sure many of you are balking at idea of getting rides from strangers, but here it is a much different situation. My stop is very small and the road isn't pedestrian friendly. People offer almost every time I come home, and depending on the weather, I take them up on it. This man asked where I was from and I said Texas. He went on to let me know he lived in Houston for 5 years. The last women I met at the station had  a cousin in Houston. Almost every person I've met in these random situations either lived or is related to someone who lived in Houston. I find it very odd.


I made dinner and did some laundry. It was a quiet night inside and a stormy one outside. Quite cozy indeed.

Day 87: or The Day We Fought About Vegetables

I realize that almost all kids say they hate vegetables. I know it's not something I alone have to deal with. When you are a babysitter, you usually get to order pizza. It's a special occasion. When you're an au pair, you're in charge of vegetable distribution. It is a painful process. The Kid has a habit of eating without complaint at lunch, but when dinner comes around and his siblings are home, he fights over every bite. And of course what he does and does not like seems to change on a weekly basis. Tonight was not different. Carrots were the culprit. There was yelling, there were tears, even some choking. We are now on a strict, veggies first, then protein regiment. Throw in the added threat of no T.V. or movies. We'll see how it goes.

When I wasn't herding cats, I enjoyed lunch outside and a nice quiet day with the house to myself. After a week of sawing and drilling and random people walking through the house, it was nice to be back to normal. The cherry tree in the backyard has started to bloom which adds a much needed bit of life to the garden.

Day 86: or The Day I Found Stubb's BBQ Sauce in Paris

True story. There is a shop in Paris, called "Thanksgiving". It is very small and out of the way. But it is American, brand name heaven. They had the obvious ranch dressing, Oreos, hot sauce (Louisiana to be exact, amazing), Dr. Pepper and what not. But Stubb's? I was impressed.


I started the day waking up late because of DST. I knew it was today, I even set my clock forward. But somehow I managed not to save my changes, and woke up in a tizzy despite my best efforts. Ran to the train station and was just a tad bit late for my coffee break with a new (to me) Au Pair. We had a nice chat and then she invited me into town to meet some friends. This is where the shop came into the story. I purchased a DP for 2 reasons. One, it wasn't astronomically priced. Two, everything else needed to be accompanied by other items. Ranch and hot sauce are eaten on things that I just don't eat here. Salsa, we don't have tortilla chips. Jalapeños just wouldn't go on my ham and Camembert sandwich. A dilemma yes, so I decided to just go without. But now I know, and I can find these items if need be.


We grabbed a falafel and headed to the Pompidou Centre for some street performances. There was a large crowd watching a pretty entertaining guy. He was one of those that the whole show makes fun of his audience, but in a non-malicious way. The best part of a Japanese kid who had no idea what was going on, but just went for it. It's amazing what people will do in front of hundreds of strangers.


After the show we stopped by and artist residence for a free concert with a free glass of wine. The show wasn't exactly my taste but it was a really cool place and one of the girls volunteers there, so I'm sure I'll be back.


I made it home around 8:00 and had dinner with the family. I helped the 16 year old clean out the fish tank, played piano with the 14 year old, and helped the 13 year old on a school project. I like hanging out with the kids when I'm not working. When I am working I am totally focused on the Kid and he's fun to, but on the weekends I get to spend time with the others, and that's nice too.

Day 85: or The Day I Saw A Movie On The Champs Elysees

The beautiful weather decided it had had enough, and left just in time for the weekend. To add on to yesterday's post, when the weather is crummy, it makes it that much harder to leave the comfort of home.


I spent the day around the house, planning vacations and researching more places that are "must-sees". In the early afternoon, the Mom asked the Kid if he wanted to go swimming, and he responded by saying "only if Caitlin goes and teaches me". Dagger. I would have gone, really I would have. But I had made plans (that ended up falling through), and going swimming would have set me back a good 3 hours. I felt bad saying no, especially when he seems so excited to learn. It was not the first time swim lessons were brought up. I promised myself that next time he asks, I will only say no for a legitimate reason. No laziness allowed.


When plans began to unravel, I decided to go into town and see a movie. That way, if a plan materialized, I'd already be there, and if not, I got a movie out of the deal. I saw Rango, and enjoyed it. I love going to the theater and watching movies with people. Slightly pricey maybe, but I decided the splurge was worth it.  I made it back around midnight, just in time to catch the 14 year old girls sleepover raiding the ice cream. Some things never change.

Day 84: or The Day I Got New Shutters

Today, being Friday, is my free day. I have no class in the morning and no Kid home for lunch in the afternoon. I decided to go into town, at least for a couple of hours. I managed to catch the free shuttle to and from the station which basically made my day all on its own. My destination was La Defense and I walked around, had lunch, saw a band playing on the plaza. It wasn't the prettiest of days, but it was wonderfully warm, a good 68' I think. 


I made it back to the house in time to pick up the Kid and we played around and "admired" our new shutters. Half of them didn't work. Thankfully, mine did so I'm not too put out. I debated going out for the evening but decided on wine at home instead. It is way too easy to be unsocial here. Don't get me wrong, I've met a ton of people, and everyone has been super friendly. But no one goes to each other's houses and we don't live close by, so staying holed up can be pretty tempting. Plus there's the money issue. Basically, you convince yourself you're being responsible and thrifty, when really it's laziness. But then again, who doesn't love a lazy a night at home every once in a while?

Day 83: or The Day I Picked Flowers With The Kid

Usually, when I think of flower pickers, I think of little girls and center fielders. Here, I find that the Kid and his friends get just as excited when they see wild flowers to pick. They love 'em. Each day, a new set gets put in a cup with water, and by dinner, they're all wilted and dead. But he loves them. 


Today, as we walked back from school, he took me on a detour for a reason I didn't understand. He kept saying he had to get the flowers. I thought there are plenty of flowers the normal way, but what the heck. Apparently, they had gone on an afternoon outing to the soccer field and he had picked flowers along the way. Knowing he couldn't bring them to school, he stashed them along the road for retrieval later. I should have guessed something because he is a huge dawdler usually but today I could barely keep up. It was a nice change of pace.(So, I tried not to make a pun, but it just so happens that saying works best, forgive me.)


After school, I answered the door and two of the neighbor kids and their mom had baked cookies. They were caring a tin around offering them to people. I picked a horse out for the Kid and gave it to him after dinner as a surprise, he seemed to enjoy it. 

Day 82: or The Day I Took Pictures of Flowers

Another Wednesday, another 12 straight hours of entertaining a 6 year old. It was warm out so we played tennis, went on the trampoline and spent time on the playground. 

When we were on the trampoline, the Kid hurt himself, and yelled in pain. It was minor, but it was enough that the workmen, who were in the backyard, looked at me like I was beating him. I got him to stop, but the damage was done. 

The pictures I've added are just the neighborhood on the walk to school.

Day 81: or The Day I was Referred To As Madame

Basically, I was "Ma'med" in French. Some kids lost their ball over the school fence and asked for my help. There was about 6 of them yelling rapid fire French at me, but I got the gist. But they said madame every other sentence. I know they were being polite, but boy it can make you feel old.


The workers were back in the house and it was just more dust and more sawing. I'm ready to have my house back. The Kid was home for lunch and he seemed to enjoy it a bit more than I did, but even he seemed a little put out by the mess.


I made pizza for dinner and I think I'm getting pretty good at it. I realize it isn't one of the hardest dishes, but the kids always seem quite excited when they see its pizza night. The mess it creates however is a different story. It takes me nearly twice as long to clean up than other nights. I remembered being bummed doing my one dish. Cleaning a kitchen used by 7 is a whole new ball game. At least this way, I'll really appreciate that one dish when I'm back home.

Day 80: or The First Day of Spring

Back to the grind. The construction workers started the work on the windows today. It is a loud and messy job. Some of the windows require new frames and we have 6 French door, floor to ceiling windows that are causing complications. The dust is everywhere and the house is very breezy which isn't helping. I did however get to practice my French, so there's a positive.


At home, the First Day of Spring always seems to fall in the middle of Spring. I always thought it was odd. Being here though, I get it. Before I left for London, the flowers were barely starting to bloom. Now, almost all the trees are turning purple and white. Even on the days with nice weather, this place hasn't seemed particularly beautiful, but it's getting there. I've never had a truly "dead" winter like this one. I can see why people go crazy for the spring.

Day 79: or The Day I Left London

Getting moving this morning was hard work. Besides just being tired, it seemed everyone was checking out at the same time and the hostel was beyond disorganized. I had them hold my luggage so I could walk around a bit and decided to go back to the market with the German girl. Saturday is the busy, crazy day on Portobello Road. Today was much more laid back and easy to maneuver. We stayed in the area for an hour or so and then parted ways. I went back to get my bag and decided to stop on my way to the station at the Tower of London.  I walked around and saw Tower Bridge which was probably one of the more surprising things on my trip. From the pictures I've seen and taken, You can't really tell how grand and large it is. I've seen these buildings and places so many times in photographs, you feel like you've already been there. But with the bridge, I felt really misled. I'm glad I managed to stop.


The next stop was St. Pancras and back on the train. The station is light and open and has huge Olympic rings at one end for next years games. Makes you really want to come back. I managed to get a seat all to myself this time which was nice and the trip back went smoothly. I had a great time in London and am very happy I went. I'll be adding this to my list of longer trips I'll be taking, one day.

Day 78: or The Day In Notting Hill

I woke up at a decent hour and walked to Notting Hill Gate for a walking tour of the neighborhood. It showed many filming locations for various movies but also little bits about the area. It was a really good tour and by the end I was really wanting to watch the movie. I walked down Portobello road and managed to not fall trap to all the antiques, jewelry, and miscellany, but it was a close call. As I was leaving the Market, I noticed an attractive guy leaning against the door to a shop. I was looking at his odd choice of eye wear, when I realized I recognized him. Not 2 feet from me was Josh Hartnett. He blended in well and no one else seemed to notice him. It's strange to  me that glasses and can disguise someone so easily. Many of you might not even know who he is, but I'm pretty sure there were people  on the street who know full well who he is and didn't recognize him. I kept my cool, and he walked on his merry little way down the street. It was a gorgeous day and it seemed everyone was outside just to be outside. I walked through and around Hyde Park and then grabbed a shawarma from a local stand. The street I stayed on, Queensway Road, was full of Indian and Asian food so I just picked one a got lucky.


The 6 Nations rugby final was starting and I decided to find a Pub and watch some rugby. The German girls had asked me what I missed the most about home, and for the first time, I was actually able to give an answer. Obviously, the people (and food) are what immediately comes to mind. But this weekend, what I missed most was sports. I spent a lot of time at home either keeping up with sports, or going to social events based on watching sports. I think that's the key to sports too, watching games with people. So, with England playing Ireland, I was sure I would find a Pub with a decent crowd. I did some Google research and walked into Prince Edward's Pub for the last half of the Scotland/Italy game. There was once stool left and I sat down and bought a pint. I over heard the guys talking about their Fantasy league. They bought a round of beers but ordered an extra and offered it to me. For the next 5 hours we sat and watched Rugby and talked sports. They were a little surprised at what I knew about Rugby, because I told them I know nothing, but after 5 hours of games, I picked up a little bit. Rory McElroy was at the game, and again, they were surprised that I knew him. I guess a girl who watches golf is an oddity but when it's not Football season, what else are you supposed to do on Sundays?


I walked back to the hostel and was planning on calling it a night when I met a new girl in the room and tagged along to get some dinner. We stopped at an Indian restaurant and ate way too much. Again, I'm calling it an early night, but it was a long and eventful day. I had meant to do more sightseeing but I think meeting the locals is just as good of a way to spend my time. Nice little Saturday.

Day 77: or The First Day In London

I woke up today and started the usual travel day stress. Good news for me, I left for the train at 9:00 and gave myself a good hour extra. I was told the Gare de Nord is a usual place for pick pockets, so that didn't help my stress. Nothing like the fear of having your Passport stolen. I find it odd that I want to travel enough to do it by myself, and am in no way scared, but I do in fact stress about the little, unlikely things. I made it to the Eurostar and got myself a window seat. Interestingly enough, I prefer the window seat on a train over the aisle, which you all know is the opposite for air travel.


I managed to miss the entrance to the Chunnel, very bummed. I was sitting, facing South, but I had been looking out the window for most of the trip, it just snuck up on me. You're going so fast, and there are no lights so it's just pitch black. You can't see how big the tunnel is or tell your speed. I guess I just assumed it would be more like tunnels in the city, with lights and what not. It lasted all of 20 minutes, and before I knew it, I was in England. The trip went by quite quickly and I made into St. Pancras International Station. My host Dad had given me a Tube map, so I knew where I was going and arrived at the hostel without incident. 


I started the afternoon at a rare gem indeed, Chipotle. It was my last meal in the States and the only one in Europe is in London. Some people  might say that I should only eat local, and I hear ya, but I made an exception, and it was awesome. Not quite as good as the ones in the States, but it accomplished what it was supposed to. By then, the morning rain had basically stopped and I walked around Westminster and saw the requisite Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. I walked, and walked, and walked, but it ended up being a nice night and I made it back to the hostel in one piece.


When I got back, I met a German girl and was invited out for dinner and a drink. They were all in town from Hanover for a rowing competition so it was an early night for the athletes and I was happy to oblige so that I would be able to accomplish a full day tomorrow.

Day 76: or The Day I Cleaned My Room

The weather has been so nice lately, that when we walked outside and were greeted by a chill, the Kid stopped and said "oh, but I thought it would be warm". He's getting spoiled because a month ago I would have complained and he would have said it's not really cold.


I spent the day getting ready for my trip by cleaning my room. We are having the windows replaced next week, meaning someone besides me will go in my room. I felt that warranted a little spring cleaning. Most of you know of my inability to keep a room tidy. As much as I try (when I try), it only lasts a week at most. Then one day I look, and it's in shambles again. And you know that great feeling you get from a clean room? I love that feeling, so what is it about me that makes me the worst at keeping things in order? I really hope it's just a phase.


After the cleaning, the day went smoothly and the routine was accompished. Being St. Patrick's Day, I was planning on going to the Pub, but ended up staying in, the responsible choice. Besides saving money, I have to get up early tomorrow, and make the trek into the city to make my train. I also needed to finish packing. 


One random thought, ice cubes. I'm not sure how many of you known this fact, but they don't serve ice in their drinks. I had to dig in the second freezer in the house just to find an ice tray. At home, I drink my Coke ice cold, room temperature just isn't worth drinking. Here, I drink room temp all the time. Granted, the room temperature is a good 20' colder. Slight exageration maybe, I really have no idea.

Day 75: or The Day I First Wore My Flip Flops

Not since 8th grade have I gone so long without wearing sandals of some sort, and even then I'm not sure. At home, even if it's cold, I wear my sandals everyday. Illogical, yes, but it's a habit that I thought I would never break. But the weather has been nice, so I thought "why not"? When the Kid and I went outside to play, he ran to put his shoes on and came back with sandals. He told me he wanted to get his shoes like mine. And that's when I understood why it's different here. At home, I would be just one of many in ill advised foot wear, but here, they notice. The 6 year old Kid noticed after 3 whole minutes. Since I try to blend in here, flip flops are avoided but i'll bust them out for special occasions I guess.


Another sunny day, another day of  kicking the kids out of the house and making them enjoy the sun. It was an easy day and when the mom called to say goodnight (it was just me and the kids since the parents were out of town), she commented on what a good mood he was in. I could tell she was pleased which made me relax. I know they like me and that I'm a fine au pair, but I want to be "one of the good ones". I have no idea how I compare to the others they've had, I haven't asked. So days like today help me think I may be doing ok.

Day 74: or The First Day My Legs Saw The Sun

Today was a good day. I purchased my plane tickets for April break and it's all beginning to feel real. Three and a half weeks from now and I'll be in Spain, followed by a week in Greece. I couldn't be more excited. I also can't believe we're already half way though March. I feel like I've been here for longer than two and a half months,, but at the same time, I can't believe I'm almost halfway through my time here.


Today almost reached 70', so I thought it about time to go outside in a skirt. Last summer, I didn't wear jeans from mid-May through August. Babysitting and swim lessons allow for a fairly lax dress code and I just didn't wear jeans. Shorts, skirts, and dresses were all I could stand in the heat. That seems like another world now. I'm anxiously awaiting the heat while at the same time trying to savor the "real" spring. Flowers and beginning to bloom and the greenery is coming. I've never seen this place any way but dead, and it's amazing what a little color will do to people's spirits. 

Day 73: or The Day I Tried To Make The Kids Eat Beets

Today was another lovely day. It started out gloomy but by mid afternoon, the sun was shining and the air was down right comfortable. I left early to get the kid and added a little bit to the walk. When we got home, I threw him in the backyard and made sure he spent a  little time outside. It's also getting nice enough to hang the laundry outside which really speeds up the process. I never thought I'd get excited about laundry.

Tonight was clean out the fridge night and we had a hodge podge of leftovers. I used the word hodge podge but the kids had apparently never heard of it. It's amazing what they do and do not know. The girls speak perfect American English with no discernible accent. They know many colloquialisms, but sometimes, they just look at me funny. Granted, I do have a couple of random favorite words, many I get from one G.M.S. So one of our dinner items was a beet and endive salad. Usually, I say "at least have a little" when it's a dish I know they'd like to avoid. I don't force them, but I make it, and ask them to try some. Not this time. I put it on the table, and when dinner was over I put it back in the fridge. I remember having beets as a kid and using it as lipstick. I know for a fact that I was standing at the island in my grandma's kitchen. These are good memories about beets, none of which have to do with the taste. You've gotta pick your battles.

Day 72: or The Day The Kid Wouldn't Take No For An Answer

Sunday's are usually slow starting and lazy for me. If the weather is nice I try and go into the city but today was overcast with the possibility of rain and that's just not something I want to take a walk in. Before lunch, the Kid opened my door and asked me to play with him. I went out and saw what he'd been doing but pretty soon we had to set the table for lunch. After lunch, I went to my room but was soon joined again by the Kid asking me to play. I tried to make up excuses but was completely unsuccessful and ended up in the garden running around shooting toy bow and arrows. It was interesting just because it was my day off and usually he is just excited to play with his brother or his mom. But he asked for me and I just felt bad saying no. Otherwise, the day was quiet. A nice beginning to a week. 

Day 71: or The Day of the Never Ending Walk

Last night I stayed at another au pair's apartment because it is easier to get home during the day then at night. My train station is situated in a forest and can be a little freaky at night. When I left at 11:15, it was decently warm and pleasant enough weather for a walk. I had looked at a map to the train station before I left but I was going off of memory so for all I knew I had taken a wrong turn and would be halfway to Spain. The walk was only a mile and a half but the thing the map doesn't tell you is that it is all up hill. I ended up walking on unpaved roads and could have sworn I was lost at least 3 times, but I never had to turn around and I made the train with perfect timing.


When I got off the 4 minute train ride, I had another mile and a half walk, again uphill. Did I mention I was in heels this whole time. Not like 4inch heels or anything, but heels none the less. I stopped by the bakery for a baguette and finished the hour long trek home. Speaking of baguettes, I forgot to mention something I noticed. When walking down a French street, you'll never see a whole baguette. Always, one end has been ripped off and eaten by the owner. I do it myself, not sure why. I'm not sure if it is a testing thing or an irresistible thing, but a baguette never makes it home whole. I would compare it to French fries. When have you ever made it home with fast food without eating at least one fry? Never, thats when.


The rest of the day was spent at home saving money for next weekend. A cute moment happened when the parents were out though. I was in my room and I heard a faint knocking. I wasn't sure if it just someone doing something or if it was my door. I opened the door and the Kid was standing there and he asked in an oh so sweet voice if I could start a movie for him. I said sure and asked where everyone was. the girls were in their rooms and his parents were out. He can be so cute when he wants to be and it's nice to see that every once in a while.

Day 70:or The Day of Karaoke

Don't get too excited, I only went to the Karaoke bar for a little bit and sadly, I did not participate, but we'll get to that later.


Today was just another Friday. I stayed around the house mostly and walked to the bakery for a sandwich. The weather wasn't great but it wasn't cold either so I was able to go out without my overcoat. It feels like a little victory. The kids came home and I started making dinner. The mom had picked out a carrot pancake recipe and the kids got all excited. They were made with carrot puree but they had only a mild carrot taste. They turned out quite good but they just made all of us want real pancakes, so that is next on the list. 


I went out to the Irish Pub which closes around 1:00am. I could have gone home but everyone wanted to go to the only bar that is open at that time, the Karaoke Bar. It was a sight to see, a very diverse crowd. I'm not sure if this is France in general or this particular club, but they don't sing your traditional "sing-a-long" songs. They sing slow, serious, ballads and everyone slows down and listens/watches. Then between singers the DJ will play dance music. It was a very weird scene with many of the singers taking themselves way too seriously. We left before the girls had a chance to sing their pick which was a Spice Girls number. I'm sure the crowd would have thought we were the odd ones. How little they know.

Day 69: or The Day I Was Actually Sick

Forget all that talk about being sick yesterday, today was the really fun one. Little was required of me today, which was nice. I was able to nap and move slow. I'ma  pretty big wimp when it comes to colds so I'm hoping today was the worst of it. Noting worse than being sick on the weekend. The weather wasn't that great today either so I didn't feel like I wasting a day. The mom had made a quiche that all I had to do was bake and the kids were easy. All in all it was a simple day but it was just what I needed. 

Day 68: or The Day I Realized I Don't Get Sick Days

I woke up with a mild sore throat. Nothing too bad but it made me realize that if I was really sick, there's nothing I could do about it. My job is obviously still doable when I'm under the weather, but it does make the little things a little harder.


I came home with the Kid at lunch and found 2 of the kids sitting on the stoop. I realized that lunch just became a lot more complicated. I made fish and pasta which always goes over well and then the kids headed upstairs. I was thankful that the 13 year old had come home because the Kid follows him around and is always asking to play. During the afternoon I did manage to pull the Kid away and take him down to the tennis courts. They are at the end of our street and just for the neighborhood. We played for an hour and he didn't want to leave. He isn't exactly a natural, but he got better the more he tried and I think it will be a good thing for us to do when the weather is nicer. I always liked tennis as a workout because I've always been drawn to games. Any activity that masks the actual exercise is my kinda workout. 


Everyone made it home for dinner and we had meat and potatoes and green beans. I like knowing the kids are going to eat what I make without complaint. Some dishes aren't so fool proof. After dinner I was invited out with the other au pairs and even offered a ride. How could I turn it down? It was nice to get out for a bit during the week and w had a nice time at the local bar. I'm starting to feel like part of the group which is nice and am happy that these people are my cohorts. Being the new kid was a little difficult but I think I got through it unscathed.

Day 67: or The Day I Saw Orion

Another beautiful day, another day spent finding ways to spend more time outside. I walked the Kid to school and we had lunch on the playground. It was still a little chilly when you weren't moving but there wasn't a cloud in the sky. By the time I picked him up at 4:30,  the chill was gone. It was around 60' so I decided to kick him out of the house. Inside he is pulled towards the TV like a magnet. I can distract him with other things, but a lull in the excitement and he asks for a movie. Today, on the trampoline, he could have stayed out there all night. I had to go in and make dinner, but it was nice to know I was able to get him active. He kept getting the giggles which made me get the giggles and so on.


I made pizza for dinner and when we sat down, the 14 year old said it looked and tasted like American pizza. I asked if that was a compliment and she said of course. I was pretty pleased with myself. After dinner I went to close the shutters and saw the stars. It is the same thing every night. Some nights I can't see them through the clouds, but when they're there, I always take a second. Now, Orion is visible and it makes me think of the Ranch. One of the last times I was there, we were sitting around the fire and started talking about constellations. Michael tried to help me see Orion because I can always find the belt but the man can be a little difficult. The problem is you never know when to trust Michael because he has a habit of spouting off guesses as if they are fact. The words "I don't know" are never said. Being one of the smarter people I know, it becomes a guessing game of when to believe him. This time however he was right. Every time I see the belt I think of that and it makes me think that I'm not so far from home. 

Day 66: or The Day The Kid Asked For Me Over The Mom

Another gorgeous day on this side of the pond. I walked a great deal outside today, just running errands. It's amazing how a daunting task one day can be so lovely the next. I also had class today. Today was a day that made me feel like I do in fact know some French. The only problem is I walk out the door and what I just learned walks out of my head. My comprehension has most definitely improved while here but I still can't manage to not freeze up when speaking. Everyone says that will pass and I pray it does but right now I'm a little frustrated. 


We run out of cookies for the after school snack so we decided to make some. I made a sugar cookie dough and divided into 4 portions for food coloring. We then used cookie cutters and I made one for everyone's first initial. The Kid sat with me in the kitchen all night. By the time his Mom got home he requested that I put him to bed. I have a feeling he just knows I'm a bigger pushover than her, but I took it as a good sign. I'm not sure how much she appreciated it, but hopefully she just looked at it as proof that she has a good au pair.

Day 65: or The Day I Had Cobbler

I had big plans today. Well not big, but plans. But after 8+ hours of walking in Paris, I was tired. Those plans became rest and relaxation. It was a nice day though. The boys even went out on the trampoline for a bit, and the laundry was hung outside for the first time all year. It's a good sign that better weather is just around the corner. Yay!


Lunch was simple. It was a "use whats in the fridge" day. There was a mix of leftovers and veggies and some sort of tuna dish. It was all healthy because the mom is quite conscious about what goes into every meal. I looked at the table thinking, "no wonder they're all skinny". Not in a negative way about the food, it was just a very typical spread. Then comes the dessert. We don't have desert during the week usually. Sometimes cookies or something one of the kids wanted to whip up, but on the weekends, there's always something. Today was no different and we were treated with a cherry, fig, cobbler of sorts. In case you aren't aware, cobbler is my favorite dessert. Well, cobbler a la mode is technically my favorite but let's not split hairs. All in all, the lunch was good, and very French.


The rest of the day was spent planning and researching for future trips. London is just around the corner, and then it seems the April vacation is right after that. I'm only 2 months into this thing but I'm already feeling like I'm running out of time for all my trips. Got to make the most out of the time I have.

Day 64: or The Day I Saw Kanye

I woke up this morning and headed to the train. I had planned to go into Paris and look at some vintage stores for awhile. I went in with another au pair and randomly ran into two of our other au pair friends. It was one of those small world moments. We hadn't discussed it at all, but at the same time, we walk into the same store. We hung out and walked around for most of the afternoon. It's Paris Fashion Week and we decided to stop by one of the tents and see some of the action. Every few minutes a car would drive up and a "celebrity" would be ushered inside. I didn't recognize most of them and could only see the tops of many of their heads. But out through the crowd walks Kanye. The people went wild. I got about 2 feet away and was able to snap this picture. He was pleasant enough and took a couple of pictures with people. He was the only one to walk through the crowd and not straight to the door, so I'll give him that.

After the show I went to see Zoe for a bit. We sat and talked for a bit before we both had to meet up with other people. I've only seen her twice since I've been here so we decided we need to actually make a plan next time. Making it up as we go hasn't been working too well. I met the other au pairs and we headed back home. We stopped in Saint Germain and had a glass of wine before I was ready to head home. It was a long day but it was one of those days that makes you feel like you're taking advantage of your surroundings. There was no forgetting I live in France today.

Day 63: or The Day I Met The Fish

Today was a nice day. The Mom took the kid to school and all I had to do was let the cleaning guy in. My one little task was thwarted when he called and said he couldn't make it. With that, my day opened up. I did a little laundry and sat in my room with the window open. It was chilly, but sunny. The day went by quickly and before I knew it I had a house full of teenagers again. The 14 year old has basically the whole girls soccer team over on Fridays because the house is right next to the field. The entryway is impassable from all the shoes. Dinner was easy and the night was topped off by the arrival of the new family pets. 5 fish to go in the new fish tank they got for Christmas. They were all very excited. I on the other hand, was at a normal excitement level regarding fish.


I went out with the other au pairs, which was a nice break. We went out locally instead of in town which made it a mire manageable evening. I was home by 2:00, which is positively early by France standards. We were at a local Irish pub. I always end up at Irish pubs in France, but they tend to be the most in line with my kind of bar. I met a couple new girls and had a good time. I also was able to not spend a week's pay, which can happen in Paris. Nice little Friday.

Day 62: or The Day of Cupcakes and Frosting

Today, the 12 year old became the 13 year old and we had cupcakes in celebration. I made a butter frosting that was tasty but turned out pink rather than the requested red. For dinner we had pasta and veggies. One of the girls always has to comment on the food. She does it with her mom's cooking too, so I don't take it personally. She just has a way of letting you know what she would do differently. It's not always negative, but it has a way of annoying me.


It has gotten chilly here again. All I can think about is the time when I go out without a coat, scarf and pair of gloves. The days are getting longer and it isn't dark until almost 7:00. It's also light when I get up, which is a huge improvement. Mentally, getting up in the dark is grueling. My body just can't adjust. At home, March means warmth is coming and crawfish boils are starting. Here not so much, but I do appreciate the slight changes. Some of the plants are beginning to show life again, so I'm hopeful that soon it will look like the spring I've heard so much about.

Day 61: or The Day Texas Turned 175

I tried explaining Texas Independence Day to the English people, but they didn't really get it. I know I'm in the minority of people who even know when it is, let alone remember it, but it's just a day I always think of. 


Today we made cupcakes, carrot cupcakes. They were quite tasty and I'm pretty excited to get to eat them. They were made for a birthday, but the birthday is tomorrow, so we all must wait. Another Wednesday has come and gone. Today was another quite day with not much to report. It's almost the weekend though so hopefully that will change. 

Day 60: or The Day I Made Tofu

I was given a tofu recipe tonight and I think I pulled it off pretty well. I've never cooked tofu before and apparently you don't find it much over here. Since it was a special thing, I had to make sure not to screw it up. It turned out pretty well if I do say so myself.

The Kid and I worked on English today. He hates reading but loves for me to read to him. And loves to draw but hates to write. The key is for me to trick and distract him into doing it. I've been working with him every week but his teacher told the Dad that it seems like he's not getting enough. Of course this looks bad on me, yippee, so I made sure to cover all of my bases tonight. This resulted in a screaming fit as the mom walked in from work. He wanted a movie and I didn't give in. I was actually happy to get caught having a "fight". At least she sees that I don't let him walk all over me. The kid is a crier, plain and simple. He is a good kid, and I really do like him, but he abuses the tears. It was bedtime when they started and he was refusing to go upstairs. I was just relieved when the Mom walked in because it meant that the fight would soon be over. He doesn't ask or cry about TV time with her. It was a brief, 5 minute hiccup in an otherwise nice day. 

Day 59: or The Last Day of Februaury

Today was the first day back to routine. Woke up and took the Kid to school and spent the day taking care of little things that had fallen by the wayside over the break. Being the last day of the month, it made me realize that I'm 1/3 of the way into my time here.  In some ways it feels like I've been here much longer. The fact that less than 2 months ago I hadn't met the family seems beyond odd. But then I think about the fact that I have been in France for 2 months. A 2 week trip can feel like a long time. I also realized that time flies, so I need to start making sure I'm not wasting it. This weekend was a good start. Now I just have to think of what fun place I want to visit next.